Today, women are playing an ever-increasing role in making important financial decisions — whether for themselves or for their families.

While many of the basic rules of investing hold true for all investors, some life events will affect women differently than they will men, and these can also have an impact on investment decisions. Following are a few areas of special consideration for women investors:

• Longer life expectancy — People in general are living longer these days, and conventional wisdom will tell you that women tend to outlive men.

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